Stolperstein: Berlin's Memorial Stumbling Blocks

On our last evening in Berlin, we went for a walk after dinner and literally stumbled upon (hence their name - stolperstein: stumbling blocks) tiny individual memorials to victims of the Holocaust.  As we were walking along, I noticed these little brass blocks embedded in the sidewalk.  Upon bending down to take a closer look, I saw that each had a person's name, their birth date, the date they were deported and where, and where they were murdered. 

It was obvious, by the names on the plaques, that an entire family had been taken.  Jeff had a vague recollection that the plaques were placed where the family had lived, and upon further research, that is indeed true.  The artist, Gunner Demnig, creates these brass plaques to commemorate those deported and killed by the Nationalist Socialist regime.  He researches the victims and with permission of the local council, installs them at the address where they resided when they were deported.

When passersby walk on them, they actually help keep them shiny by rubbing off the rust.  They also may spark sidewalk conversations (as they did for us) and perhaps when you are bending over to read them, you are bowing in tribute to the victims.  There is a fantastic article all about the Stolperstein (stumbling blocks) and the artist which you can read by clicking here.

Throughout our time in Berlin, it was my impression that Berlin (and I think Germany as a whole) are very conscious of acknowledging the horrific events that happened in their past, that their people wrought on the world.  They acknowledge the horrors and actively work to do everything they can do ensure that it doesn't happen again.  We saw the symbols of these efforts everywhere, and these stolperstein are yet another example.  The glass ceiling of the Bundestag which gives the people of Germany the ability to watch their government and reminds the government that the people are watching. 

Looking down in into the Bundestag

A memorial to members of Parliament murdered by the Nazis stands outside the Reichstag

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews

The Jewish Museum's Fallen Leaves installation was incredibly powerful.

And although I don't have pictures, we passed countless other memorials including ones for victims of the Berlin Wall (who died trying to escape) and many more.  I'm a fan of Germany's efforts and their constant reminder to themselves that they will not let it happen again.